Who Kills Goro? A Deep Dive into the Demise of the Shokan Prince
Ultimately, answering the question of who kills Goro is complicated because, depending on the Mortal Kombat timeline and the specific game or media being referenced, the answer changes. In some timelines, he is defeated but survives, only to die later. In others, his death is attributed to specific characters. The most consistent answer, however, is Kotal Kahn. In the current timeline established in Mortal Kombat X and referenced in Mortal Kombat 11, Kotal Kahn defeats Goro and inflicts grievous injuries, ultimately leading to his death. While other characters have defeated him in combat, Kotal Kahn is generally regarded as the one who brought about his end.
Goro’s Many Defeats and Possible Deaths
Goro, the four-armed Shokan prince, is a formidable foe in the Mortal Kombat universe, so it’s not surprising that his character has numerous victories and defeats. This sometimes leads to conflicting information regarding his ultimate fate. It’s essential to distinguish between being defeated and being killed. While Liu Kang notably defeated Goro in the original Mortal Kombat tournament, this wasn’t fatal.
Johnny Cage and the Cliffhanger
In the original Mortal Kombat movie, Johnny Cage is credited with defeating Goro by knocking him off a cliff. However, canonical Mortal Kombat lore largely ignores the movie’s plot points, rendering this defeat non-fatal. Goro survives the fall, or in the case of the Mortal Kombat 11 storyline, he is defeated in battle and then mortally wounded by Noob Saibot and then gets his funeral service in his kingdom as well.
The Kotal Kahn Conflict
The most definitive answer to Goro’s killer is Kotal Kahn. Events leading up to Mortal Kombat 11 establish that Kotal Kahn defeated Goro in battle, motivated by revenge for his father’s death. He then ripped off Goro’s arms to let him know how weak he was and left him for dead. This defeat and the severe injuries inflicted are generally accepted as the primary cause of Goro’s ultimate demise in the current Mortal Kombat timeline.
Goro’s Corpse in Mortal Kombat 11
The confirmation of Goro’s death comes in Mortal Kombat 11, where his corpse is discovered on his throne beneath the ruins of Shang Tsung’s island. While the exact circumstances of his death after the Kotal Kahn encounter remain somewhat vague, it’s clear that he did not recover from his injuries. Though it is said that the wraith Noob Saibot delivered the final blow and took his life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Goro’s Death
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide even more detail about the Shokan prince’s life and death:
1. Did Liu Kang kill Goro in the original Mortal Kombat?
No, Liu Kang defeated Goro in the original Mortal Kombat tournament, but he did not kill him. Goro survived to appear in later games, including Mortal Kombat 4 and Mortal Kombat X.
2. Was Goro killed in the original timeline?
Goro’s fate in the original timeline is somewhat ambiguous. He disappears after being defeated by Liu Kang, and it was initially believed that he died. However, he reappears in later games, suggesting he survived.
3. How did Johnny Cage defeat Goro?
In the Mortal Kombat movie, Johnny Cage defeats Goro by knocking him off a cliff. This event is considered non-canon to the main game storyline.
4. Who replaced Goro after his initial defeat?
Kintaro replaced Goro as the Shokan representative in Mortal Kombat II and serves as a sub-boss. Kintaro is of the Tigrar race, a subspecies of Shokan.
5. Why is Goro not playable in Mortal Kombat 11?
Goro is not playable in Mortal Kombat 11 because he is deceased in that timeline. His corpse appears in the game’s story mode.
6. How did Kotal Kahn defeat Goro?
Kotal Kahn defeated Goro in a battle motivated by revenge for his father’s death. He ripped off Goro’s arms, leaving him mortally wounded.
7. Is Goro a good guy or a bad guy?
Goro is generally portrayed as an antagonist. He serves as a powerful warrior for Outworld and supports evil forces, though he is also presented as a proud and sophisticated prince of the Shokan race.
8. What is the relationship between Goro and Shao Kahn?
Goro is a loyal servant of Shao Kahn and a key figure in Outworld’s attempts to conquer Earthrealm.
9. Why does Goro have four arms?
Goro has four arms because he is a Shokan, a race of half-human, half-dragon beings known for their immense strength and four arms.
10. Was Goro playable in Mortal Kombat X?
Yes, Goro was a playable character in Mortal Kombat X as a pre-order bonus.
11. What happened to Goro’s arms after the fight with Kotal Kahn?
Kotal Kahn ripped off Goro’s arms during their fight, as a symbol of his victory and as revenge for his father’s death.
12. How does Sheeva know about Goro’s death?
Sheeva, also a Shokan, likely knows about Goro’s death through her connections within their race and her position as a protector of Sindel and, at times, Shao Kahn.
13. What is the significance of Goro’s corpse in Mortal Kombat 11?
The presence of Goro’s corpse in Mortal Kombat 11 confirms his death in that timeline and serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of the ongoing conflicts.
14. Could Goro be resurrected in a future Mortal Kombat game?
In the world of Mortal Kombat, death is rarely permanent. It is entirely possible that Goro could be resurrected or brought back through time travel or other plot devices in a future game.
15. What is the significance of Shokan in Mortal Kombat?
The Shokan are a powerful and influential race in the Mortal Kombat universe, known for their strength, loyalty, and role in Outworld’s military forces. They add a unique element to the lore and contribute to the ongoing conflicts.
Goro’s legacy extends far beyond his defeats. His impact on the Mortal Kombat universe, as a formidable warrior and a symbol of Outworld’s might, makes him one of the most recognizable and enduring characters in fighting game history. Understanding his fate, particularly the details surrounding his death, requires navigating the complex timelines and storylines of the Mortal Kombat franchise.
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